Kori Unit 1, which is the oldest nuclear power plant (NPP) in Korea has been operated
since 1978. In addition, 10 other NPPs have been operating more than 10 years. As the number of
aging plants rise, public concern over the safety of operating NPPs has increased. Periodic safety
review (PSR) in addition to the existing safety assessments are proposed by IAEA as an effective
way to verify that operating NPPs maintain the high level of safety. In this regard, the Ministry of
Science and Technology (MOST), Korea’s nuclear regulatory body, recently established an
institutional process through revision to the atomic energy act to introduce PSR. This PSR considers,
among other factors, improvements in safety standards and practices, the cumulative effects of plant
aging, operating experience, and the evolution of science and technology. In particular, the
assessment and management of plant aging is one of the major areas. It includes identification of
the system, structure and components (SSCs) for aging management, assessment of aging effects
and planning of aging management implementation program. PSR results could be one of the
procedural requirements that are utilized to renew an operating license of a NPP. This paper
describes safety assessment requirements including PSR and aging management activities in Korea.
This paper also includes the strategy and method for the application of PSR results to the aging
management and continued operation of NPPs.